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Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish,  Ictalurus furcatus

 
Physical Description: 
�	Deeply forked tail
�	Long, straight-margined anal fin
�	Stout body, round anteriorly, compressed posteriorly
�	Sharp dorsal and pectoral spines
�	Depressed head, small to moderate eye
�	Profile of the top of the head and nape is straight
�	Subterminal to inferior mouth
�	Gray to slate-blue colored back
�	Silver side

Similar species: 
�	Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)
�	Headwater catfish (Ictalurus lupus)
�	Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei)

Mean body size:
�	Adults are 500-900 mm standard length 

Habitat:
�	Deep, swift water channels and flowing pools

Distribution in VA:
�	Atlantic slope drainages

Food Habits:  
�	Invertebrates, fish, frogs, and mollusks

Reproductive Habits: 
�	Spawning occurs in April and May in water that is 21-24oC
�	Nests constructed in sheltered areas by the male or both sexes
�	Fecundity is 2,000 eggs per pound of female

Population Status, Economic, or Ecological Importance: 
�	Popular fishery in the James and Rappahannock Rivers
�	One of Virginia's largest freshwater or anadromous fishes

References:       

Jenkins, R.E and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater Fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 

If you are seeking more information for the above species click on the VAFWIS logo (The Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service):

VAFWIS
Black Bullhead
Black Bullhead
Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish
Brown Bullhead
Brown Bullhead
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
Flat Bullhead
Flat Bullhead
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Margined Madtom
Margined Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Mountain Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Orangefin Madtom
Stonecat
Stonecat
Tadpole Madtom
Tadpole Madtom
White Catfish
White Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Yellow Bullhead
Yellowfin Madtom
Yellowfin Madtom
Continue Browsing Families.....
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  3. Acipenseridae, Sturgeons
  4. Lepisosteidae, Gars
  5. Amiidae, Bowfins
  6. Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels
  7. Amblyopsidae, Cavefishes
  8. Ictaluridae, Catfish
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  10. Salmonidae, Trouts
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  20. Atherinidae, Silversides
  21. Cottidae, Sculpins
  22. Sciaenidae, Drums
  23. Percidae, Perches
  24. Moronidae, Striped Basses
  25. Centrarchidae, Sunfishes

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